Kariega Main Lodge

Kariega Main Lodge is located in the eastern part of Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where the Kariega River meanders through gently rolling hillsides. It was the first lodge to be built in Kariega Private Reserve, is the most affordable accommodation here and would be the obvious choice for most small families with children considering a visit to this malaria-free area.

Our view of Main Lodge

Main Lodge is a relatively affordable choice for a game reserve in the Eastern Cape, and markets itself as family-friendly. We enjoyed the high densities of game in the eastern section of Kariega Reserve, the layout of the cabins and especially the log-burner in our cabin! However, Main Lodge and its services, from the kitchen through to the guiding, were disappointing. Although it does accept children, but we don’t regard it as ‘family-friendly’ in terms of safety, quality or flexibility. It’s cheaper than somewhere like Kwandwe’s Ecca Lodge – but in our view not nearly such good value.

We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.